Apparatus for transporting rod-shaped articles

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for transporting filter stubs from a magazine having an open lower end into a tubular conveyor wherein the stubs are propelled axially into the hopper of a consuming or processing machine employs a single transfer drum which is continuously driven to move its axially parallel peripheral flutes from register with the open lower end of the magazine into register with the inlet of the tubular conveyor where the stubs are expelled from successive flutes by compressed air. A removable block is normally maintained in sealing engagement with ribs which separate the flutes from each other while the adjoining flutes register with the inlet of the tubular conveyor to thus prevent excessive losses in compressed air. Such compressed air is admitted by way of two ports one of which register with one end of a flute only while the other end of such flute registers with the inlet of the tubular conveyor. The other port communicates with successive flutes prior to, during and after the short interval of registry with the inlet. A mechanical intercepting device is movable into the lower end of the magazine to engage the adjacent ends of one or more layers of stubs and to press the other ends of such stubs against a stationary will of the magazine. This interrups the admission of stubs into the path of successive ribs on the transfer drum. The drum can remain in motion while the intercepting device dwells in its operative position.

nited States Patent Heitmann et al.

[ Aug. 6, 1974 1 APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING ROD-SHAPED ARTICLES I [75] Inventors: Bob Heitmann; Alois Kaspare'k;

Johann Torbeck, all of Hamburg, Germany [73] Assignee: Hauni-Werke Korber & Co. KG,

Hamburg, Germany [22] Filed: May 5, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 241,229

[52] US. Cl. 302/2 R, 302/49 [51] Int. Cl. 865g 53/00 [58] Field of Search 302/2 R, 3, 49; 221/278;

[56] References Cited I UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,712,475 7/1955 Lukes 302/49 2,903,302 9/1959 Ross 302/49 3,365,239 1/1968 Molins et a1. 302/2 R 3,393,591 7/1968 Rakowicz 302/2 R 3,410,607 11/1968 Tempe] 302/2 R 3,535,003 10/1970 Rudzinat et a1 302/3 Primary Examiner-Richard A. Schacher Assistant Examiner-H. S. Lane Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael S. Striker ABSTRACT Apparatus for transporting filter stubs from a magazine having an open lower end into a tubular conveyor wherein the stubs are propelled axially into the hopper of a consuming or processing machine employs a single transfer drum which is continuously driven to move its axially parallel peripheral flutes from register with the open lower end of the magazine into register with the inlet of the tubular conveyor where the stubs are expelled from successive flutes by compressed air. A removable block is normally maintained in sealing engagement with ribs which separate the flutes from each other while the adjoining flutes register with the inlet of the tubular conveyor to thus prevent excessive losses in compressed air. Such compressed air is admitted by way of two ports one of which register with one end of a flute only while the other end of such flute registers with the inlet of the tubular conveyor. The other port communicates with successive flutes prior to, during and after the short interval of registry with the inlet. A mechanical intercepting device is movable into the lower end of the magazine to engage the adjacent ends of one or more layers of stubs and to press the other ends of such stubs against a stationary will of the magazine. This interrups the admission of stubs into the path of successive ribs on the transfer drum. The drum can remain in motion while the intercepting device dwells in its operative position.

20 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Hummus 6W4 30827. 757

APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING ROD-SHAPED ARTICLES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to apparatus for transporting rod-shaped articles, such as filter rod sections, plain or filter-tipped sections of wrapped tobaccocontaining rods or the like. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements in apparatus for transporting rod-shaped articles from a supply of such articles into a tubular conveyor wherein the articles are moved lengthwise by means of a gaseous fluid, preferably by means of compressed air, to be delivered to one or more consuming machines.

It is customary to transport rod-shaped articles which constitute or form part of smokers products between spaced producing and consuming machines, for example, between a filter rod making machine and a machine which attaches filter rod sections or stubs to sections of wrapped tobacco rods to form filter tipped cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. It is also customary to transport filter rod sections from a producing machine to a processing machine wherein such filter rod sections are further processed or assembled with different filter rod sections to form therewith so-called composite filter stubs or plugs for attachment to wrapped tobacco rod sections. If the rod'shaped articles must be transported through considerable distances, it is advisable to employ a pneumatic conveyor system which utilizes one or more tubes or hoses wherein the articles are conveyed at a high speed by means of a gaseous fluid, such as compressed air. For example, several pneumatic conveyor tubes may be utilized to transport filter stubs from a main magazine to a plurality of discrete filter cigarette making machines, such as those known as MAX and produced by the West-German Firm of l-la'uni-Werke, Hamburg-Bergedorf. The main magazine contains a substantial supply of filter stubs which must be transferred, one afer the other, into the inlet or inlets of one or more pneumatic conveyor tubes wherein they travel axially toward the hoppers of dis crete filter cigarette making machines. This often presents serious problems, especially if the filter stubs must bemanipulated without any deformation and if a pneumatic conveyor tube or hose is to receive a very large number of stubs per unit of time. The pressure in the pneumatic conveyor tube or hose differs from the pressure in the surrounding atmosphere and is usually higher than normal atmospheric pressure.

In accordance with a presently known proposal, filter stubs or analogous rod-shaped articles are first removed from the magazine and are thereupon moved to a position for introduction into a pneumatic conveyor tube or hose. The apparatus for effecting such transfer normally comprises a drum which is provided with flutes serving to receive rod-shaped articles which are being withdrawn from a large supply of such articles and to move the articles sideways. The articles are usually transferred onto one or more additional drums prior to being moved to a predetermined position for propulsion into the inlet of the conveyor tube. Such movement to a position of register with the inlet of the conveyor tube normally involves expelling or withdrawing the articles from the flutes of the last drum and thereupon subjecting successive articles tothe action of a stream of compressed air which propels them into the tube wherein they move axially toward the hopper of the associated consuming or processing machine.

\ Attempts to employ a single transfer drum which withdraws rod-shaped articles from a magazine and moves the thus withdrawn articles directly into register with the inlet of a pneumatic conveyor tube have met with little success, mainly because of high losses in pressurized fluid at the station where the articles are propelled into the tube. It is to be borne in mind that the pressure of the gas stream which is used to propel a rod-shaped article into a pnaumatic conveyor tube must substantially exceed the gas pressure in the tube proper. Furthermore, and since the just described types of apparatus must utilize a highly compressed gas which acts against the transfer drum, the latter is subjected to extremely high stresses with attendant pronounced wear on the bearings and high energy requirements of the drive means for the transfer drum.

In accordance with another known proposal, the rodshaped articles are withdrawn from a large supply of such articles in a magazine and are propelled axially into the bore of a drum which moves the articles to a position of register with the inlet of a pneumatic conveyor tube. Such mode of operation is more satisfactory than the aforedescribed mode; however, the transfer of articles into the bore of the drum consumes much time so that such apparatus cannot be used to process the entire output of a high-speed filter stub making or analogous machine. As a rule, the drum must be moved intermittently which also contributes to a lower output of the apparatus. Moreover, the drive for the intermittently rotating drum is rather complex and prone to malfunction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved apparatus for transfer of filter stubs, sections of wrapped tobacco filler rods and/or analogous rodshaped articles from a main supply in a magazine or the like to one or more consuming machines which may be located at a considerable distance from the main supply so that the apparatus must employ one or more pneu: matic conveyor tubes or hoses for rapid transport of a series of articles to the respective consuming machine or machines.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus wherein a single transfer conveyor suffices to withdraw rod-shaped articles from a magazine and to move successive articles into register with the inlet of a tubular conveyor which delivers the articles to a remote consuming machine.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which is constructed and assembled in such a way that it need not be provided with bulky, complex and expensive means for regulating the withdrawal of articles from the supply of such articles in a magazine or the like, even if the articles are to be withdrawn at the rate of several thousand articles per minute.

An additional object of the invention is to provide the apparatus with novel and improved ejector means for effecting the transfer of rod-shaped articles from successive receiving means of a single transfer conveyor (particularly a continuously rotating drum whose receiving means constitute axially parallel peripheral flutes) directly into the inlet of a tubular conveyor wherein the articles are propelled lengthwise by means of one or more streams of a gaseous fluid whose pressure differs from the atmospheric pressure.

Still another object of the invention is to provide the apparatus with novel and improved means for rapidly interrupting the withdrawal of articles from the main supply without necessitating any changes in the speed of the transfer conveyor.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a transfer apparatus wherein the losses in gaseous fluid which serves to introduce rod-shaped articles into and to transport such articles in a tubular conveyor are negligible and invariably much lower than in heretofore known apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide the apparatus with novel and improved means for providing a pile-up of rod-shaped articles at the station where the articles leave the magazine to enter the receiving means of a single transfer conveyor.

A feature of the invention resides in the provision of an apparatus for transporting filter stubs, wrapped tobacco rod sections with or without filter stubs and/or analogous rod-shaped articles. The apparatus comprises transfer conveyor means (which preferably comprises a single continuously driven drum) having a plurality of open-sided receiving means (which preferably constitute axially parallel flutes machined into or provided at the periphery of the drum) and partitions (e. g., in the form of elongated ribs) alternating with the receiving means and arranged to travel therewith sideways along an arcuate path extending along spacedapart first and second transfer stations, feeding means (which preferably comprises a magazine having an open lower end) for supplying articles through the open sides of and into successive receiving means at the first station, tubular conveyor means (e.g., an alongated tube or hose) having an inlet in temporary register with successive receiving means at the second station, ejector means for pneumatically transferring articles from successive receiving means at the second station into the tubular conveyor means by moving the articles axially, and sealing means including a surface in sealing engagement with those partitions of the transfer conveyor means which travel along the second transfer station to thereby minimize losses in gaseous fluid which is utilized to propel successive articles from their receiving means into and through the inlet of the tubular conveyor means.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, the apparatus further comprises intercepting or blocking means which is movable to and from an operative position in which the intercepting means mechanically engages and holds rod-shaped articles in the region of the lower end of the magazine to thus interrupt the admission of articles into the receiving means at the first transfer station. The intercepting means preferably comprises one or more pads consisting at least in part of elastomeric material and arranged to engage the adjacent ends of articles in the magazine to thereby bias the other ends of such articles against a remote wall of the magazine whereby the admission of articles into the receiving means is interrupted while the transfer conveyor means continues to move its receiving means and partitions at a desired speed so that the transport of articles into register with the inlet of the tubular conveyor means can be resumed as soon as the intercepting means is caused to leave its operative position.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The improved apparatus itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together with additional features and advantages thereof, will be best understood upon perusal of the following detailed description of certain specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a fragmentary partly elevational and partly longitudinal vertical sectional view of an apparatus which embodies the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view of a tubular mouthpiece which serves to guide rod-shaped articles between successive receiving means of the transfer conveyor means and the inlet of the tubular conveyor means;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partly end elevational and partly transverse vertical sectional view as seen in the direction of arrows from the line llI-III of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as seen in the direction of arrows from the line IV-IV of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawing in detail, there is shown an apparatus which is utilized to transfer filter rod sections 3 (hereinafter called stubs or plugs) from a feeding unit including a magazine 13 into a tubular conveyor here shown as a tube or hose 16 (FIG. 2) wherein the stubs are propelled axially into the hopper or hoppers of one or more discrete consuming machines, such as one or more filter cigarette making machines. The apparatus comprises a drum-shaped transfer conveyor 1 having axially parallel receiving means 2 in the form of flutes which are machined into its peripheral surface and are open at their outer sides (see particularly FIGS. 3 and 4). The transfer conveyor 1 is secured to a drive shaft 6 whose axis is indicated at 4 and which is driven constantly (as contrasted with rotation in stepwise fashion) to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow 15 (FIG. 3). The drive shaft 6 is rotatable in radial antifriction bearings 5 and 10.

Successive flutes 2 of the conveyor 1 receive discrete stubs 3 at a first transfer station A and place the thus received stubs 3 into register with a stationary tubular mouthpiece 14 at a second transfer station B which is shown as being located substantially diametrically opposite the first transfer station A. The bore of the mouthpiece l4 register with the internal space of the hose 16 which may consist at least in part of flexible material. The supply 7 of parallel filter stubs 3 is confined by the sidewalls 11, 12 and end walls 8, 9 of the magazine 13 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). Each flute 2 of the conveyor 1 is flanked by two axially parallel partitions in the form of elongated ribs or webs 17 (FIGS. 3 and 4) which sealingly engage a stationary concave sealing surface 18 while the respective flutes 2 approach, register with, and move beyond the stationary tube 14. The second transfer station B is located in the region of the concave sealing surface 18. This surface forms part of a displaceable sealing block 19 and its center of curvature is located on the axis 4 of the drive shaft 6 for the transfer conveyor 1. The block 19 preferably consists of a synthetic plastic material (such as polyamide) having satisfactory self-lubricating or antifriction characteristics. For example, the block 19 may be made of Trogamid (trademark) which is being produced by the Firm Dynamit Nobel, Troisdorf near Cologne, Western Germany (Catalogue No. PA 6 E-Mo).

The left-hand end face 21 of the transfer conveyor 1 (as viewed in FIG. 1) is biased against the adjacent surface 27 of a sealing ring 28 which is mounted in the frame 32 of the apparatus. The means for biasing the end face 21 against thesurface 27 includes a set of helical springs 22 which are received in sockets 23 of a nut 24 which has external threads mating with the internal threads of a sleeve 29. A thrust bearing 26 is interposed between the springs 22 and the inner race of the radial antifriction bearing 10 to urge this inner race against the adjacent axial end of the transfer conveyor 1. The sleeve 29 has two outwardly extending wings or projections 31 which are secured to the frame 32 by screws 31a or analogous fasteners.

The sealing block 19 is formed with a channel 36 which is connected with a source 33 of compressed gaseous fluid (e.g., air) by way of an ejector conduit 34 containing a shut-off valve 67. The channel 36 is in clined with reference to the axis 4 (see FIG. 1) and communicates with two axially spaced ports 37, 38 which extend substantially radially of the transfer conveyor 1. The port 37 is an ejector port and communicates only with that flute 2 which is in sumultaneous register with the mouthpiece 14 and hence with the inlet 16a of the hose 16. The width of the bore in the mouthpiece 14 decreases in a direction from the sealing ring 28 toward the inlet 16a of the hose 16. This is shown in FIG. 2 wherein the receiving end 42 of the bore in the mouthpiece 14 is wider than the discharge end 43. The ejector port 37 can communicate with the adjacent flute 2 by way of one of an annulus of elongated slots 44 which are machined into a cylindrical shroud 44a surrounding the right-hand end of the transfer conveyor 1, as viewed in FIG. 1. As mentioned above, a flute 2 can receive compressed gas from the ejector port 37 (by way of the respective slot 44) only when such flute registers with the receiving end 42 of the bore in the mouthpiece 14. The ejector port 37 and one of the slots 44 can admit compressed gas to that end 2b of the registering flute 2 which is remote from the sealing ring 28. The stream of compressed gas which enters the end 2b of a flute 2 by way of the ejector port 37 and the respective slot 44 impinges against the right-hand end face of a stub 3 in such flute. The shroud 44a rotates with the transfer conveyor 1 and has a slot 44 for each of the flutes 2.

The port 38 in the sealing block 19 contains a flow restrictor 46 and includes a recess 47 (FIG. 4) which ismachined into the concave surface 18. The width of the recess 47 exceeds the width of the adjacent end 2a of a flute 2 so that an oncoming flute can register with the recess 47 before, while and after such flute registers with the bore of the mouthpiece 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the width of the recess 47 may be about twice the width of a flute 2, as considered in the circumferential direction of the transfer conveyor 1.

The sealing block 19 is displaceable by a lever 51 which can urge the concave surface 18 against the top lands of ribs 17 located at the second transfer station B. The lever 51 can also urge the left-hand end face of the sealing block 19 (as viewed in FIG. 1) against the sealing ring 28. The directions in which the sealing block 19 can be urged against the transfer conveyor 1 and sealing ring 28 are respectively indicated by the arrows 52 and 53. The means for transmitting pressure from the lever 51 to the sealing block 19 in the radial direction of the transfer conveyor 1 (arrow 52) cornprises an adjustable threaded bolt 54. A second threaded bolt 56 is adjustably mounted in a link 51a and serves to transmit to the sealing block 19 (via bolt 54) stresses in the direction indicated by the arrow 53. The lever 51 can be moved by a handle 57 which is pivotably mounted on the frame 32, as at 57a, and carries a pivot pin 57b for the lever 51. When the handle 57 is pivoted in the direction indicated by an arrow 58, the surface 59 on the link 51a moves away from the head 62 of the bolt 54 to reduce or terminate the pressure acting in the direction indicated by the arrow 52. At the same time, the surface 61 at the tip of the bolt 56 moves away from the adjacent side face of the head 62 to reduce or terminate the pressure acting in the direction of the arrow 53. The link 51a is pivotable on a fixed pivot pin 51b and is coupled to the lever 51 by a further pivot pin 51c. The sealing block 19 can come to rest on a stationary support 63 which is mounted in the frame 32. A handgrip portion 64 can be engaged by the attendant and enables such person to withdraw the sealing block 19 in the direction indicated by an arrow 66. Periodic removal of the sealing block 19 is advisable to allow for inspection and/or cleaning of the ports 37, 38, channel 36 and flow restrictor 46. Also, the sealing block 19 can be removed to allow for removal of a stub 3 which happens to be caught at the transfer station B prior to or during entry into the bore of the mouthpiece 14. When the handle 57 is pivoted in the direction indicated by the arrow 58, an operative connection 67a (indicated by broken lines) between the link 51a and the valve 67 automatically causes the valve 67 to seal the source 33 of compressed gas from the channel 36 so that the gas cannot escape into the surrounding atmosphere while the concave surface 18 is moved out of sealing engagement with the ribs 17 at the transfer station B and the left-hand end face of the sealing block 19 is disengaged from the sealing ring 28; the operative connection 67a may constitute a link train, a gear train or any other suitable means which can shut off the valve 67 in response to movement of the lever 51 in a direction .to allow the sealing block 10 to descend onto the support 63. The connection 672: preferably further serves to close a second shutoff valve 68 which is provided in the hose 16 and serves to prevent escape of compressed gas from the hose when the sealing block 19 is disengaged from the sealing ring 28. The reference character 69 denotes in FIG. 1 a ringshaped gasket which is installed in a stationary wall 71 of the frame 32 and surrounds the intake end of the channel 36 when the sealing block 19 is held in its operative position. The channel 36 receives compressed gas from the conduit 34 by way of a suitably configurated passage which is machined into the wall 71. a

The supply 7 of filter stubs 3 rests on the upper portion of the transfer conveyor 1 which later constitutes a movable bottom wall of the magazine 13 at the first transfer station A. An agitating roller 76 is mounted on a driven shaft 76 which rotates in the frame 32. A portion of the very smooth and preferably highly polished cylindrical peripheral surface 77 of the roller 76 extends into the magazine 13 through an opening in the sidewall 11 at the downstream end of the transfer station A (as considered in the direction of rotation of the transfer conveyor 1). The arrow 78 indicates that the shaft 76a drives the agitating roller 76 counter to the direction of rotation of the transfer conveyor 1 (arrow The shaft 76a may derive motion from the shaft 6 so that it rotates whenever the transfer conveyor 1 is in motion.

The apparatus further comprises mechanical intercepting means for interrupting or terminating the gravitational movement of stubs 3 into the range of flutes 2 and ribs 17 at the transfer station A. Such intercepting means comprises a composite or one-piece pressure pad 81 which is normally retracted into an opening or window 80 in the end wall 8 of the magazine 13 and can be moved into the interior of the magazine in response to energization or deenergization of an electromagnet 82 which is mounted in or on the frame 32. As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure pad 81 is of arcuate shape and this pad preferably consists of rubber or similar elastomeric material so that it cannot damage the adjacent ends 86 of the stubs 3 when it is caused to enter the interior of the magazine 13. The armature of the electromagnet 82 comprises a substantially L-shaped holder 83 for the elastic pressure pad 81. The direction in which the holder 83 moves in response to a change in the condition of energization of the electromagnet 82 is indicated by the arrow 84. The pressure pad 81 extends across the full width (87) of the open lower or discharge end of the magazine 13 so that it can effectively intercept the lowermost layer or layers of stubs 3 which form the supply 7 whereby the delivery of stubs 3 to the flutes 2 at the transfer station A is terminated in automatic response to movement of the pressure pad 81 into the magazine 13. In response to such penetration, the pressure pad 81 engages the adjacent ends 86 of the stubs 3 and presses the other ends of the stubs against the end wall 9.

THE OPERATION:

The shaft 6 is driven by a variable-speed electric motor or the like (not shown) to rotate the transfer conveyor 1 in the direction indicated by the arrow 15. The pressure pad 81 dwells in the retracted or inoperative position shown in FIG. 1 so that it does not interfere with gravitational descent of stubs 3 into the range of flutes 2 which enter, move through and beyond the first transfer station A. Thus, each flute 2 which leaves the transfer station A contains a filterstub 3 which is confined between two adjoining ribs 17. The rapidly rotating agitating roller 76 prevents any jamming or pileup of stubs 3 in the region between the sidewall 11 of the magazine 13 and the oncoming ribs 17, i.e., in the region where the flutes 2 move beyond the open lower end of the magazine. The transfer conveyor 1 can be provided with suitable suction ducts (not shown) which serve to hold the stubs 3 in their flutes 2 during transport from the first transfer station A toward the section transfer station B. Alternatively, the frame 32 may support one or more baffles or shrouds (not shown) which hold the stubs 3 in the respective flutes 2 while such flutes travel from the agitating roller 76 toward the recess 47 in the concave sealing surface 18.

The stub 3 which is confined in a flute 2 registering with the bore of the mouthpiece 14 is propelled directly into the bore of the hose 16. When such a flute reaches the recess 47, it receives compressed gas from the channel 36 by way of the port 38 and flow restrictor 46. The thus admitted stream of gas can flow around the stub 3 so that the pressure at the end 2a (close to the sealing ring 28) of the flute equals the pressure at the other end 2b (close to the respective slot 44). This insures that the gas which enters the flute 2 by way of the recess 47 cannot rapidly propel the stub 3 counter to the direction indicated by the arrow 45 (i.e., in a direction toward the ejector port 37) when the flute moves into register with the mouthpiece 14 and hose 16. The interior of the hose 16 is maintained at an elevated pressure by gas which is admitted through the recess 47. When the flute 2 which already receives gas from the recess 47 reaches the ejector port 37, it registers with the mouthpiece l4 and hose 16. Consequently, the highly compressed gas stream which enters the end portion 2b of such flute 2 can propel the stub 3 axially (arrow 45) through the end 2a and into the hose 16 during the very short interval of registry of the flute 2 with the mouthpiece 14. The introduction of the leading end of the stub 3 into the mouthpiece 14 is facilitated due to the fact that the receiving end 42 of this mouthpiece is wider than the discharge end 43 (see FIG. 2). The port 38 continues to admit compressed gas to the flute 2 which has moved beyond the position of register with the ejector port 37 (see the width of the recess 47) so that the stub 3 which has entered the mouthpiece 14 is invariably caused to advance into the hose 16 prior to being severed by the left-hand end portion of the transfer conveyor 1.

The ribs 17 which travel along the concave surface 18 are maintained in sealing engagement with the block 19. At the same time, the end face 21 of the conveyor 1 bears against the surface 27 of the sealing ring 28. Therefore, the leakage of compressed gas at the second transfer station B is negligible, even if the channel 36 admits to the ports 37, 38 a gaseous fluid at a relatively high pressure. This insures that the buildup of gas pressure in the flute 2 which registers with the ejector port 37 requires very little time and that the stubs 3 can be propelled into the hose 16 even if the transfer conveyor 1 is in constant motion and rotates at a high speed. The relatively narrow slots 44 insure that the gas flowing from the ejector port 37 into the adjacent flute 2 produces an impulse to propel the stub 3 into the hose 16 at the exact moment when the respective flute 2 registers with the receiving end 42 of the bore in the mouthpiece 14.

The discharge end of the hose 16 is connected with the hopper or hoppers of one or more consuming machines (such as one or more filter cigarette making machines) which serve to further process the stubs (either by uniting them with similar or different types of stubs or by connecting them with tobacco-containing rod sections to form filter cigarettes, cigars or cigarillos. When the hopper or hoppers which receive stubs from the hose 16 contain a predetermined maximum supply of stubs, the withdrawal of stubs from the magazine 13 must be interrupted. The respective hopper or hoppers are provided with suitable detectors (for example, photosensitive detectors) which produce signals when the supply of stubs in such hoppers rises to a predetermined maximum value. The signal results in energization of the electromagnet 82 which moves the holder 82 in the direction indicated by the arrow 84 whereby the pressure pad 81 moves into the magazine 13 by way of the window 80 and engages the adjacent ends 86 of the stubs in the lower portion of the magazine. Such stubs are pressed against the end wall 9 so that they cannot descent into the path of ribs 17 on the rotating transfer conveyor 1. The pressure with which the pad 81 engages the ends 86 is selected with a view to prevent any appreciable deformation of or other damage to the stubs 3. The delivery of stubs 3 into the hose 16 is terminated as soon as the transfer conveyor 1 removes from the supply 7 those stubs which are located below the stubs held by the pressure pad 81. The transfer conveyor 1 can continue to rotate so as to be ready for renewed transport of stubs 3 into register with the mouthpiece 14 as soon as the aforementioned detector or detectors produce signals (or cease to produce signals) which deenergize the electromagnet 82 so that one or more springs (not shown) can retract the pressure pad 81 into the window 80 whereby the stubs 3 are again free to descend into the path of orbiting ribs 17 on the transfer conveyor 1.

An important advantage of the improved apparatus is that a signal transfer conveyor can transfer stubs 3 (or analogous rod-shaped articles) from the magazine 13 directly into register with the hose 16. Such mode of operation can take place even if the stubs which reach the second transfer station B are subjected to the action of a highly compressed gaseous fluid. Since the stubs can be expelled from the flutes 2 by moving axially while the conveyor 1 rotates continuously and at a high speed, the output of the apparatus is very high, e.g., this apparatus can process the entire output of a high-speed cigarette making machine which turns out up to and in excess of 4,000 cigarettes per minute.

The port 38 cooperates with the recess 47 to insure that the flute 2 which moves into register with the receiving end 42 of the mouthpiece 14 can receive a pressurized gaseous fluid before the respective slot 44 moves into register with the ejector port 37. The gas which is supplied by the port 38 also serves to convey the stubs 3 lengthwise in and through the tubular conveyor 16. The feature that the recess 47 communicates with a flute 2 not only during but also prior to and after the very short interval of registry of such flute 2 with the receiving end 42 insures that the stub which has entered the mouthpiece 14 is invariably propelled into and through the tubular conveyor 16, i.e., that the action of the highly compressed gas stream issuing from the ejector port 37 and the corresponding narrow slot 44 is preceded and followed by the action of the gas stream which is supplied by the recess 47 of the port 38.

The agitating roller 76 insures proper transfer of stubs 3 into successive flutes 2 even if the magazine 13 contains a relatively large supply 7 of filter stubs. This is attributed to the fact that the roller 76 is driven counter to the direction of rotation of the transfer conveyor 1 and also that the roller is provided with a very smooth peripheral surface. In other words, it is not necessary to provide or replace the magazine 13 with means for supplying to the transfer station A a single layer, row or stack of rod-shaped articles in spite of the fact that the transfer conveyor 1 rotates continuously and at a high speed.

The heretofore known apparatus for withdrawal of rod-shaped articles from a supply of such articles in a magazine having an open lower end by means of a fluted drum normally employ rotary or otherwise movable agitating device which are provided with knurled, ribbed or otherwise roughened external surface on a rubber sleeve or the like. It was found that such conventional agitating devices cannot insure satisfactory entry of rod-shaped articles into each of a series of flutes on a rapidly and continuously rotating conveyor. Therefore, the presently known magazines are normally provided with one or more vertical ducts which receive stacks of rod-shaped articles and whose lower ends discharge articles into the flutes of the rotating drum. The ducts are not always desirable because they are likely to be clogged with articles or with foreign matter and their cleaning necessitates lengthy interruptions in operation of the apparatus with attendant losses in output.

The agitating device which is shown in FIG. 3, i.e., an agitating roller 76 with a smooth and preferably polished external surface 77, is much simpler than the previously known agitating devices and operates properly even though the magazine is not provided with ducts or analogous means for orienting and stacking the articles before the articles move into the path of successive partitions 17 on the transfer conveyor 1.

The improved intercepting pad 81 insures a practically instantaneous interruption of the delivery of stubs 3 into the range of the ribs 17 on the continuously rotating transfer conveyor 1. Furthermore, the engagement between the elastic pad 81 and the adjacent ends 86 of stubs 3 does not cause any detectable deformation of the stubs even if the electromagnet 82 (or analogous signal-responsive actuating means for the pressure pad 81) is designed to abruptly propel the holder 83 in the direction of the arrow 84. Such mode of intercepting the stubs renders it possible to drive the conveyor 1 at a constant speed, or at least continuously, irrespective of whether the pressure pad 81 is maintained in its operative or retracted position. Such mode of operation renders it possible to simplify the construction of the drive means for the transfer conveyor 1 because the drive means need not be arrested when the consuming machine or machines which receive stubs 3 from the hose l6 accumulate a maximum supply of stubs.

Another important advantage of the intercepting pad 81 is that it can rapidly terminate the admission of stubs 3 into the path of movement of partitions 17 even though the magazine 13 is not provided with ducts or analogous means for orienting and stacking the articles at the first transfer station A. Heretofore known intercepting devices which employ mechanical means for interrupting the evacuation of rod-shaped articles from a magazine invariably employ clamping devices which engage the sides (rather than the ends) of articles. Such conventional mechanical intercepting devices have failed to gain acceptance in the tobacco processing and related industries because they invariably cause excessive deformation of or other damage to the articles. It was found that the improved intercepting pad 81, which engages the ends 86 of the adjacent layer or layers of stubs 3 in the lower end of the magazine 13, is capable of treating the stubs gently because it subjects such articles to axial rather than lateral stresses. The likelihood of damage to the stubs is further reduced due to the face that at least that portion of the pad 81 which engages the ends 86 of stubs 3 consists of a yieldable material, such as natural or synthetic rubber. However, it is equally within the purview of the invention to employ an intercepting device which is provided with a set of needles, pins or analogous projections which engage the adjacent ends of one or more layers of rodshaped articles in the lower end of the magazine 13 or an analogous feeding unit. The electromagnet 82 may be energized in automatic response to stoppage of the conveyor 1 to thereby cause the pressure pad 81 to assume its operative position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a second transfer conveyor 201, on wing 231 of a second sleeve (see the sleeve 29 of FIG. 1), and the agitating roller 276 of a second apparatus which is adjacent to the heretofore described apparatus and can receive stubs 3 from a second outlet of the magazine 13 or from a discrete second magazine. The magazine 13 can be provided with an entire row of outlets so that it can serve as a means for feeding rod-shaped articles to an entire battery of transfer conveyors each of which delivers rod-shaped articles into register with a discrete tubular conveyor 16. An advantage of such battery of apparatus is that their transfer conveyors, agitating rollers and other moving parts can receive motion from a single drive.

The sealing block 19 may also be made of carbon, especially if the partitions 17 of the transfer conveyor 1 consist of hardened steel. It was found that a sealing block of carbon will furnish a surprisingly satisfactory sealing action if the entire transfer drum or at least its partitions 17 are made of hardened steel.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features which fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of our contribution to the art and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended:

1. In an apparatus for transporting filter stubs, wrapped tobacco rod sections or analogous rod-shaped articles, a combination comprising transfer conveyor means having a plurality of open-sided receiving means and partitions alternating with said receiving means, and partitions and said receiving means being arranged to travel sideways along an arcuate path extending along first and second transfer stations; feeding means for supplying articles through the open sides of and into successive receiving means at said first station; tubular conveyor means adjacent to said second station and having an inlet in temporary register with successive receiving means; ejector means for pneumatically transferring articles from successive receiving means at said second station into said tubular conveyor means by moving the articles axially, said ejector means comprising a source of compressed gas, first port means connected with said source and registering with successive receiving means only during the intervals of full registry of successive receiving means with the inlet of said tubular conveyor means so that the expulsion of an article can begin immediately when said first port means registers with the respective receiving means, and second port means connected with said source and communicating with successive receiving means at said second station to admit into successive receiving means and into said tubular conveyor means a stream of compressed gas prior to and while successive receiving means receive compressed gas from said first port means; and sealing means including a surface in sealing engagement with those partitions of said transfer conveyor means which flank the receiving means registering with said first port means.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said transfer conveyor means comprises a drum which is rotatable about a predetermined axis, each of said receiving means constituting a peripheral flute provided in said drum and extending in parallelism with said axis, the open sides of said flutes facing away from said axis.

3. A combination as defined in claim 2, wherein said drum has an end face adjacent to said inlet and further comprising second sealing means having a surface in sealing engagement at least with those portions of said end face which travel along said second station.

4. A combination as defined in claim 3, wherein at least that portion of at least one of said sealing means which is provided with the respective surface consists of synthetic plastic material with superior antifriction properties.

5. A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising drive means for continuously moving said transfer conveyor means.

6. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said second port means is further arranged to admit compressed gas into successive receiving means and into said tubular conveyor means after successive receiving means receive compressed gas from said first mentioned port means.

7. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said feeding means comprises a magazine arranged to accommodate a supply of rod-shaped articles, said magazine having an open lower end into which the articles of said supply descend by gravity and said arcuate path extending along said open lower end of said magazine.

8. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein said magazine comprises a plurality of walls confining said supply of articles and further comprising a rotary agitating member extending through an opening provided in one of said wall means and having a peripheral surface containing the articles in the region of the open lower end of said magazine.

9. A combination as defined in claim 8, wherein said opening is provided at the downstream side of said open end, as considered in the direction of movement of said receiving means and said partitions along said arcuate path.

10. A combination as defined in claim 9, wherein said transfer conveyor means comprises a drum and means for rotating said drum about a predetermined axis in a predetermined direction, and further comprising means for rotating said agitating member about a second predetermined axis counter to said predetermined direction.

11. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said feeding means comprises a magazine containing a supply of rod-shaped articles at said first transfer station, and further comprising intercepting means movable to and from an operative position in which said intercepting means mechanically engages and holds rod-shaped articles in the region of said first transfer station to interrupt the admission of articles into successive receiving means of said transfer conveyor means.

12. A combination as defined in claim 11, further comprising drive means for constantly rotating said transfer conveyor means independently of the movements of said intercepting means 13. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said magazine comprises a wall remote from said intercepting means and said supply consists of parallel rodshaped articles each having a first end adjacent to said wall and a second end adjacent to said intercepting means, said intercepting means being arranged to engage the second ends of adjacent articles in said magazine in response to movement of said intercepting means to said operative position.

14. A combination a defined in claim 13, further comprising actuating means for moving said intercepting means to and from said operative position.

15. A combination as defined in claim 11, further comprising actuating means for maintaining said intercepting means in said operative position in response to stoppage of said transfer conveyor means.

16. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said magazine comprises a discharge end through which the articles of said supply can enter successive receiving means at said first transfer station, said discharge end having a predetermined width and said in- 14 tercepting means comprising a pressure applying device extending substantially across the full width of said discharge end.

17. A combination as defined in claim 16, wherein said discharge end is located at a level above said first transfer station and said pressure applying device is arranged to engage and hold at least the lowermost layer of the supply of articles in said magazine.

18. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein at least that portion of said intercepting means which comes into engagement with articles in said magazine consists of elastomeric material.

19. A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for moving said sealing means into and from sealing engagement with the partitions at said second transfer station.

20. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said transfer conveyor means comprises a drum which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and said receiving means are axially parallel flutes provided in the periphery of said drum, said surface being a concave surface having its center of curvature on said axis. 

1. In an apparatus for transporting filter stubs, wrapped tobacco rod sections or analogous rod-shaped articles, a combination comprising transfer conveyor means having a plurality of open-sided receiving means and partitions alternating with said receiving means, and partitions and said receiving means being arranged to travel sideways along an arcuate path extending along first and second transfer stations; feeding means for supplying articles through the open sides of and into successive receiving means at said first station; tubular conveyor means adjacent to said second station and having an inlet in temporary register with successive receiving means; ejector means for pneumatically transferring articles from successive receiving means at said second station into said tubular conveyor means by moving the articles axially, said ejector means comprising a source of compressed gas, first port means connected with said source and registering with sucCessive receiving means only during the intervals of full registry of successive receiving means with the inlet of said tubular conveyor means so that the expulsion of an article can begin immediately when said first port means registers with the respective receiving means, and second port means connected with said source and communicating with successive receiving means at said second station to admit into successive receiving means and into said tubular conveyor means a stream of compressed gas prior to and while successive receiving means receive compressed gas from said first port means; and sealing means including a surface in sealing engagement with those partitions of said transfer conveyor means which flank the receiving means registering with said first port means.
 2. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said transfer conveyor means comprises a drum which is rotatable about a predetermined axis, each of said receiving means constituting a peripheral flute provided in said drum and extending in parallelism with said axis, the open sides of said flutes facing away from said axis.
 3. A combination as defined in claim 2, wherein said drum has an end face adjacent to said inlet and further comprising second sealing means having a surface in sealing engagement at least with those portions of said end face which travel along said second station.
 4. A combination as defined in claim 3, wherein at least that portion of at least one of said sealing means which is provided with the respective surface consists of synthetic plastic material with superior antifriction properties.
 5. A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising drive means for continuously moving said transfer conveyor means.
 6. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said second port means is further arranged to admit compressed gas into successive receiving means and into said tubular conveyor means after successive receiving means receive compressed gas from said first mentioned port means.
 7. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said feeding means comprises a magazine arranged to accommodate a supply of rod-shaped articles, said magazine having an open lower end into which the articles of said supply descend by gravity and said arcuate path extending along said open lower end of said magazine.
 8. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein said magazine comprises a plurality of walls confining said supply of articles and further comprising a rotary agitating member extending through an opening provided in one of said wall means and having a peripheral surface containing the articles in the region of the open lower end of said magazine.
 9. A combination as defined in claim 8, wherein said opening is provided at the downstream side of said open end, as considered in the direction of movement of said receiving means and said partitions along said arcuate path.
 10. A combination as defined in claim 9, wherein said transfer conveyor means comprises a drum and means for rotating said drum about a predetermined axis in a predetermined direction, and further comprising means for rotating said agitating member about a second predetermined axis counter to said predetermined direction.
 11. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said feeding means comprises a magazine containing a supply of rod-shaped articles at said first transfer station, and further comprising intercepting means movable to and from an operative position in which said intercepting means mechanically engages and holds rod-shaped articles in the region of said first transfer station to interrupt the admission of articles into successive receiving means of said transfer conveyor means.
 12. A combination as defined in claim 11, further comprising drive means for constantly rotating said transfer conveyor means independently of the movements of said intercepting means.
 13. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said magazine comprises a wall remote From said intercepting means and said supply consists of parallel rod-shaped articles each having a first end adjacent to said wall and a second end adjacent to said intercepting means, said intercepting means being arranged to engage the second ends of adjacent articles in said magazine in response to movement of said intercepting means to said operative position.
 14. A combination a defined in claim 13, further comprising actuating means for moving said intercepting means to and from said operative position.
 15. A combination as defined in claim 11, further comprising actuating means for maintaining said intercepting means in said operative position in response to stoppage of said transfer conveyor means.
 16. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein said magazine comprises a discharge end through which the articles of said supply can enter successive receiving means at said first transfer station, said discharge end having a predetermined width and said intercepting means comprising a pressure applying device extending substantially across the full width of said discharge end.
 17. A combination as defined in claim 16, wherein said discharge end is located at a level above said first transfer station and said pressure applying device is arranged to engage and hold at least the lowermost layer of the supply of articles in said magazine.
 18. A combination as defined in claim 11, wherein at least that portion of said intercepting means which comes into engagement with articles in said magazine consists of elastomeric material.
 19. A combination as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for moving said sealing means into and from sealing engagement with the partitions at said second transfer station.
 20. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said transfer conveyor means comprises a drum which is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis and said receiving means are axially parallel flutes provided in the periphery of said drum, said surface being a concave surface having its center of curvature on said axis. 